I'm tired of right versus left

I’m tired of the politics of right versus left. Of course, the political spectrum is defined as left to right and that’s not going to change. But I’m still tired of the constant battle between the extremists at either end of the range of political interests. It seems like we can’t finish one election without beginning the next. How about a respite between elections when the pols actually work together for the betterment of the country? (If I am naive by espousing this wish, then we need to think seriously about systemic changes to our political structure such as abolishing parties and prohibiting lobbying. I admit both those ideas are naive in themselves, but is there no hope for change? Someone please suggest ways to get us out of this rut of conflict.) As soon as Obama took office, GOP leaders declared they would work to make him a one-term President. After the 2010 election, with electoral gains emboldening them, Republicans increased the fury of their attacks on Obama with the same purpose in mind. We are at this writing 17 months away from the 2012 elections and already the campaign for the office of President is beginning. While the news media sorts through the candidates’ personalities, their inevitable gaffes, and their prior behavior, we will hear little of the debate that should be raging as to the policies which should guide this nation.

Note: This post is the first in a series of posts concerning things about the current state of mostly political things of which I am tired.